Item - 2017.LS16.3

The Licensing and Standards Committee:

1. Referred the item to the Executive Director, Municipal Licensing and Standards, in consultation with the Deputy City Manager, Cluster A, for a report to the appropriate Committee.

I am writing with regard to the senseless tragedy that struck Toronto late last year. A 19 year-old woman died, while several others, including minors, were hospitalized for apparent MDMA overdoses while attending an all-ages rave at the Rebel nightclub, owned by Ink Entertainment.

Tragic incidences like what happened in December were preventable deaths. For over a decade, I have been fighting against all-age electronic dance music (EDM) parties because of the multitude of reported fatalities. There have also been countless unreported cases of susceptible children and youth having been coerced to fall under the influence of drugs, alcohol, and sexual assault by predators.

Several of our council colleagues have continually shouted me down, accusing me of deliberately causing panic. Private establishments have also repeatedly reassured City Council that there would be sufficient paramedics, police officers, and that legal and safety standards would be followed; clearly the rules and laws in place are not being followed. Now we see another lethal consequence of all-age EDM parties. How much longer can we stand idly by? How many more children have to die until we act?

It cannot be overstated as to how outraged and disappointed I am with our council colleagues. I told the city that such incidences would happen again if we as a council did not remain vigilant against all-age EDM parties. Especially now as we see a fentanyl epidemic sweeping the country, it is incumbent upon us to take an even rigorous stance against all-age raves and EDM parties. They are no place for children.

In light of what has happened, I must fight to ban all-age raves or EDM parties in the city.

One death is already one too many.

I am formally requesting you, as Chair of the Municipal Licensing and Standards Committee, to put this issue on the next meeting’s agenda.

I believe it is important for members of the committee and City Council to have a better understanding on why the establishments that are hosting such all-age events are licenced and condoned. Is it appropriate to approve such establishments where children as young as 12 years-old are being exposed to illegal drugs and alcohol with adults – some in their thirties or forties – who are much older?

Further clarification is also needed to understand why in the city of Toronto, a minor cannot enter a liquor licenced bar after a certain time, yet at private venues that choose to host all-age parties, children can be in the same vicinity with people who are of age and choose to drink. I would like city staff to provide answers on the aforementioned issues.

If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to contact me.